Min Gong, Mengchao Zheng, Xiaobin Li, Yuyi Li, Zhigang Qiao, Yan Ren, Guohua Lv
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Abstract
Background
Microbial seed coating is an effective method to improve seed performance and alleviate salt stress. However, insufficient microbial survival rate and short storage period are the key factors limiting the use of microbial seed coating agents.
Methods
In this study, we screened a growth-promoting functional strain from wheat rhizosphere. This strain was encapsulated within potassium alginate (A)/pectin (P) microcapsules to develop a microbial seed coating agent. The encapsulation process was optimized to achieve high efficiency, and the resulting microcapsules were evaluated for storage stability. Coated seeds were tested under salt stress (mild and severe) conditions to assess germination rates, biomass accumulation, root growth, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase), oxidation markers (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde), and plant hormones (auxin, gibberellin, abscisic acid, and cytokinin).
Results
Functional strain (Pseudoxanthomonas suwonensis) isolated from wheat rhizosphere have the ability to produce auxin, catalase and siderophores. The embedding rate of A/P microcapsules reached 79.67% after optimization. After 28 days of storage, compared with the control (uncoated bacteria), the survival rate of microcapsules was significantly increased by 27.96%. Under salt stress, compared with the blank control, A/P-coated seeds increased the germination rate (up to 18.33%), biomass and root growth. The chlorophyll content and activity levels of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) increased by 19.86–66.07%, 6.64–13.52%, 5.35–5.41%, and 2.28%, respectively. The contents of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde decreased by 4.39% and 9.29–18.42%, respectively, the auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin levels in wheat significantly increased by 8.06–9.68%, 8.32%, and 12.93–20.72%, respectively.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that A/P microcapsules effectively enhance the survival and functionality of P. suwonensis as a seed coating agent, significantly improving wheat's salt stress tolerance. The microencapsulated coating prolongs microbial viability during storage while promoting plant growth through biochemical mechanisms, providing an effective microbial coating carrier for crops under salt stress in agricultural production.
期刊介绍：
Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture is an international, interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed forum for the advancement and application to all fields of agriculture of modern chemical, biochemical and molecular technologies. The scope of this journal includes chemical and biochemical processes aimed to increase sustainable agricultural and food production, the evaluation of quality and origin of raw primary products and their transformation into foods and chemicals, as well as environmental monitoring and remediation. Of special interest are the effects of chemical and biochemical technologies, also at the nano and supramolecular scale, on the relationships between soil, plants, microorganisms and their environment, with the help of modern bioinformatics. Another special focus is the use of modern bioorganic and biological chemistry to develop new technologies for plant nutrition and bio-stimulation, advancement of biorefineries from biomasses, safe and traceable food products, carbon storage in soil and plants and restoration of contaminated soils to agriculture.
This journal presents the first opportunity to bring together researchers from a wide number of disciplines within the agricultural chemical and biological sciences, from both industry and academia. The principle aim of Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture is to allow the exchange of the most advanced chemical and biochemical knowledge to develop technologies which address one of the most pressing challenges of our times - sustaining a growing world population.
Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture publishes original research articles, short letters and invited reviews. Articles from scientists in industry, academia as well as private research institutes, non-governmental and environmental organizations are encouraged.
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